Cerebral small vessel disease and risk of incident stroke, dementia and depression, and all-cause mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Correlation of cerebral small vessel disease burden with outcome after lower extremity amputation

AIMS

This study assessed whether changes associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) evaluated from head computed tomography (CT) images captured for non-related clinical purposes predict overall survival (OS), leg salvage (LS), and amputation-free survival (AFS) after lower extremity amputation (LEA).

METHODS

We retrospectively included a cohort of 240 patients who had undergone a lower extremity amputation in Tampere University Hospital between the years 2007 and 2020 and had a head CT scan (within one year before amputation). A neuroradiologist graded the white matter lesions (WMLs) and reported infarcts, and the latter's effects on OS, LS, and AFS were evaluated.

RESULTS

Altogether, 162 (67.5 %) and 91 (38.1 %) patients had WMLs and infarcts, respectively. Mild/moderate (HR 1.985, CI 95 % 1.317-2.992) and severe (HR 2.259, CI 95 % 1.501-3.399) WMLs and infarcts (HR 1.413, CI 95 % 1.029-1.940) were associated with inferior OS. After a minor amputation, mild/moderate (HR 2.012, CI 95 % 1.054-3.843) and severe (HR 3.879, CI 95 % 2.096-7.180) WMLs were similarly associated with inferior AFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, WML and infarcts detected on head CT scans were associated with impaired OS after LEA and AFS after minor LEA. Evaluation of CSVD could provide useful prognostic information for clinicians.

Exploring Cognitive Related Microstructural Alterations in Normal Appearing White Matter and Deep Grey Matter for Small Vessel Disease: A Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Study

Brain microstructural alterations possibly occur in the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and grey matter of small vessel disease (SVD) patients, and may contribute to cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to explore cognitive related microstructural alterations in white matter and deep grey matter nuclei in SVD patients using magnetic resonance (MR) quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). 170 SVD patients, including 103 vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI) and 67 no cognitive impairment (NCI), and 21 healthy control (HC) subjects were included, all underwent a whole-brain QSM scanning. Using a white matter and a deep grey matter atlas, subregion-based QSM analysis was conducted to identify and characterize microstructural alterations occurring within white matter and subcortical nuclei. Significantly different susceptibility values were revealed in NAWM and in several specific white matter tracts including anterior limb of internal capsule, corticospinal tract, medial lemniscus, middle frontal blade, superior corona radiata and tapetum among VaMCI, NCI and HC groups. However, no difference was found in white matter hyperintensities between VaMCI and NCI. A trend toward higher susceptibility in the caudate nucleus and globus pallidus of VaMCI patients compared to HC, indicating elevated iron deposition in these areas. Interestingly, some of these QSM parameters were closely correlated with both global and specific cognitive function scores, controlling age, gender and education level. Our study suggested that QSM may serve as a useful imaging tool for monitoring cognitive related microstructural alterations in brain. This is especially meaningful for white matter which previously lacks of attention.

The associations of socioeconomic position with structural brain damage and connectivity and cognitive functioning: The Maastricht Study

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic inequalities in cognitive impairment may partly act through structural brain damage and reduced connectivity. This study investigated the extent to which the association of early-life socioeconomic position (SEP) with later-life cognitive functioning is mediated by later-life SEP, and whether the associations of SEP with later-life cognitive functioning can be explained by structural brain damage and connectivity.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional data from the Dutch population-based Maastricht Study (n = 4,839; mean age 59.2 ± 8.7 years, 49.8% women). Early-life SEP was assessed by self-reported poverty during childhood and parental education. Later-life SEP included education, occupation, and current household income. Participants underwent cognitive testing and 3-T magnetic resonance imaging to measure volumes of white matter hyperintensities, grey matter, white matter, cerebrospinal fluid, and structural connectivity. Multiple linear regression analyses tested the associations between SEP, markers of structural brain damage and connectivity, and cognitive functioning. Mediation was tested using structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Although there were direct associations between both indicators of SEP and later-life cognitive functioning, a large part of the association between early-life SEP and later-life cognitive functioning was explained by later-life SEP (72.2%). The extent to which structural brain damage or connectivity acted as mediators between SEP and cognitive functioning was small (up to 5.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed substantial SEP differences in later-life cognitive functioning. Associations of structural brain damage and connectivity with cognitive functioning were relatively small, and only marginally explained the SEP gradients in cognitive functioning.

Cerebrovascular Effects of Sildenafil in Small Vessel Disease: The OxHARP Trial

BACKGROUND

Vascular cognitive impairment due to cerebral small vessel disease is associated with cerebral pulsatility, white matter hypoperfusion, and reduced cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), and is potentially improved by endothelium-targeted drugs such as cilostazol. Whether sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, improves cerebrovascular dysfunction is unknown.

METHODS

OxHARP trial (Oxford Haemodynamic Adaptation to Reduce Pulsatility) was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 3-way crossover trial after nonembolic cerebrovascular events with mild-moderate white matter hyperintensities (WMH), the most prevalent manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease. The primary outcome assessed the superiority of 3 weeks of sildenafil 50 mg thrice daily versus placebo (mixed-effect linear models) on middle cerebral artery pulsatility, derived from peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities (transcranial ultrasound), with noninferiority to cilostazol 100 mg twice daily. Secondary end points included the following: cerebrovascular reactivity during inhalation of air, 4% and 6% CO2 on transcranial ultrasound (transcranial ultrasound-CVR); blood oxygen-level dependent-magnetic resonance imaging within WMH (CVR-WMH) and normal-appearing white matter (CVR-normal-appearing white matter); cerebral perfusion by arterial spin labeling (magnetic resonance imaging pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling); and resistance by cerebrovascular conductance. Adverse effects were compared by Cochran Q.

RESULTS

In 65/75 (87%) patients (median, 70 years;79% male) with valid primary outcome data, cerebral pulsatility was unchanged on sildenafil versus placebo (0.02, -0.01 to 0.05; P=0.18), or versus cilostazol (-0.01, -0.04 to 0.02; P=0.36), despite increased blood flow (∆ peak systolic velocity, 6.3 cm/s, 3.5-9.07; P<0.001; ∆ end-diastolic velocity, 1.98, 0.66-3.29; P=0.004). Secondary outcomes improved on sildenafil versus placebo for CVR-transcranial ultrasound (0.83 cm/s per mm Hg, 0.23-1.42; P=0.007), CVR-WMH (0.07, 0-0.14; P=0.043), CVR-normal-appearing white matter (0.06, 0.00-0.12; P=0.048), perfusion (WMH: 1.82 mL/100 g per minute, 0.5-3.15; P=0.008; and normal-appearing white matter, 2.12, 0.66-3.6; P=0.006) and cerebrovascular resistance (sildenafil-placebo: 0.08, 0.05-0.10; P=4.9×10-8; cilostazol-placebo, 0.06, 0.03-0.09; P=5.1×10-5). Both drugs increased headaches (P=1.1×10-4), while cilostazol increased moderate-severe diarrhea (P=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Sildenafil did not reduce pulsatility but increased cerebrovascular reactivity and perfusion. Sildenafil merits further study to determine whether it prevents the clinical sequelae of small vessel disease.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03855332; Unique identifier: NCT03855332.

Impact of blood pressure variability and cerebral small vessel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Importance

Abnormal blood pressure pattern is an independent risk factor for vascular events. Blood pressure variability can predict cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease outcomes and is closely associated with the risk of cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between blood pressure variability and cerebral small vessel disease neuroimaging markers remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between blood pressure variability and cerebral small vessel disease neuroimaging markers.

Data sources

We searched multiple databases, including Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, UpToDate, and World of Science, from their inception until November 27, 2023.Main Outcomes and Measures: A meta-analysis of 19 observational studies involving 14519 participants was performed. Findings: ①Systolic blood pressure variability was correlated with the cerebral small vessel disease total burden, white matter hyperintensities and lacunar infarction; ② Diastolic blood pressure variability was correlated with the cerebral small vessel disease total burden, white matter hyperintensities and cerebral microbleeds; ③ Non-dipping patterns were correlated with white matter hyperintensities and lacunar infarction. ④ Reverse-dipping patterns were significantly correlated with white matter hyperintensities and cerebral microbleeds.

Conclusions

and Relevance: Blood pressure variability correlates with neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease and its burden. Hence, early monitoring and intervention of blood pressure variability may be essential for the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cerebral small vessel disease.

Ophthalmic Artery Morphology and Hemodynamics Associated with White Matter Hyperintensity

Purpose: To investigate morphological and hemodynamic characteristics of the ophthalmic artery (OA) in patients with white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and the association of the presence and severity of WMH with OA characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 44 eyes of 25 patients with WMH and 38 eyes of 19 controls. The Fazekas scale was adopted as criteria for evaluating the severity of white matter hyperintensities. The morphological characteristics of the OA were measured on the basis of three-dimensional reconstruction. The hemodynamic parameters of the OA were calculated using computational fluid dynamics simulations. Results: Compared with the control group, the diameter (16.0±0.27 mm vs. 1.71±0.18 mm, P=0.029), median blood flow velocity (0.12 m/s vs. 0.22 m/s, P<0.001), mass flow ratio (2.16% vs. 3.94%, P=0.012) and wall shear stress (2.65 Pa vs. 9.31 Pa, P<0.001) of the OA in patients with WMH were significantly decreased. After adjusting for confounding factors, the diameter, blood flow velocity, wall shear stress, and mass flow ratio of the OA were significantly associated with the presence of WMH. Male sex and high low-density protein level were associated with moderate-to-severe total WMH, and smoking was associated with the moderate-to-severe periventricular WMH. Conclusions: The diameter, blood flow velocity, mass flow ratio, and wall shear stress of the OA were independently associated with the presence of WMH. Atherosclerosis might be involved in the common mechanism of the occurrence of WMH and the OA changes.

Under pressure: A systematic review of the association between blood pressure variability with depression and anxiety

Blood pressure variability (BPV) impacts brain health by influencing brain structure and cerebrovascular pathologies, though the mechanisms are poorly understood. Changes in the cerebrovasculature may lead to late-onset depression, cognitive impairment, and dementia, however the relationship between BPV with depression and anxiety remains unclear, due to methodological differences and inconsistencies in past research. This review aims to clarify the association between BPV with depression and anxiety in adults to inform understandings of the mechanisms implicating BPV in cognitive health. A systematic search from inception through to January 2024 was performed on Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Studies that assessed BPV quantified by beat-to-beat, 24-hour, or visit-to-visit were eligible if the standardised assessment of depression and/or anxiety were reported as a linear association, or mean differences across control and affect groups. A total of 14 articles reporting on 13 samples and N = 5055 persons met the inclusion criteria (median female proportion = 61 %, range 0 % - 76 %). A meta-analysis was not possible due to methodological heterogeneity in BPV measurements and metrics across studies. Mixed results were observed across depression studies with inconsistencies and variation in the direction, strength of association, and BPV metric. There was weak evidence from only three studies to support a linear association between systolic coefficient of variation and anxiety. Collectively, the findings contribute to understanding the association between BPV and brain health, suggesting that any relationship between BPV and brain structures critical for cognitive function are independent of depression and only modestly implicate anxiety.

MYPT1SMKO Mice Function as a Novel Spontaneous Age- and Hypertension-Dependent Animal Model of CSVD

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is the most common progressive vascular disease that causes vascular dementia. Aging and hypertension are major contributors to CSVD, but the pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear, mainly due to the lack of an ideal animal model. Our previous study revealed that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) knockout (MYPT1SMKO) leads to constant hypertension, prompting us to explore whether hypertensive MYPT1SMKO mice can be considered a novel CSVD animal model. Here, we found that MYPT1SMKO mice displayed age-dependent CSVD-like neurobehaviors, including decreased motion speed, anxiety, and cognitive decline. MYPT1SMKO mice exhibited remarkable white matter injury compared with control mice, as shown by the more prominent loss of myelin at 12 months of age. Additionally, MYPT1SMKO mice were found to exhibit CSVD-like small vessel impairment, including intravascular hyalinization, perivascular space enlargement, and microbleed and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Last, our results revealed that the brain of MYPT1SMKO mice was characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory microenvironment, which is similar to patients with CSVD. In light of the above structural and functional phenotypes that closely mimic the conditions of human CSVD, we suggest that MYPT1SMKO mice are a novel age- and hypertension-dependent animal model of CSVD.

Lower cerebrovascular reactivity in prefrontal cortex and weaker negative functional connectivity between prefrontal cortex and insula contribute to white matter hyperintensity-related anxiety or depression

BACKGROUND

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with higher anxiety or depression (A/D) incidence. We investigated associations of WMHs with A/D, cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), and functional connectivity (FC) to identify potential pathomechanisms.

METHODS

Participants with WMH (n = 239) and normal controls (NCs, n = 327) were assessed for A/D using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). The CVR and FC maps were constructed from resting-state functional MRI. Two-way analysis of covariance with fixed factors A/D and WMH was performed to identify regional CVR abnormalities. Seed-based FC analyses were then conducted on regions with WMH × A/D interaction effects on CVR. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the utility of these measurements for identifying WMH-related A/D.

RESULTS

Participants with WMH related A/D exhibited significantly greater CVR in left insula and lower CVR in right superior frontal gyrus (SFG.R), and HAMA scores were negatively correlated with CVR in SFG.R (r = -0.156, P = 0.016). Insula-SFG.R negative FC was significantly weaker in WMH patients with suspected or definite A/D. A model including CVR plus FC changes identified WMH-associated A/D with highest sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, NCs with A/D exhibited greater CVR in prefrontal cortex and stronger FC within the default mode network (DMN) and between the DMN and executive control network.

LIMITATIONS

This cross-sectional study requires validation by longitudinal and laboratory studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired CVR in SFG.R and weaker negative FC between prefrontal cortex and insula may contribute to WMH-related A/D, providing potential diagnostic imaging markers and therapeutic targets.

Association of peripheral immunity and cerebral small vessel disease in older adults without dementia: A longitudinal study

This study explored the associations between peripheral immunity with cerebral small vessel diseases. Older adults without dementia from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were investigated. Peripheral blood was obtained, and magnetic resonance imaging was performed to measure cerebral microbleeds (CMB), lacunar infarctions (LI), and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Multivariable-adjusted regression models, linear mixed-effects models, and the Spearman correlations were used to evaluate the associations. At baseline, individuals with greater neutrophils (odds ratio [OR] =1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.20, p=0.042) and monocytes (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.22, p=0.016) had higher WMH volume. On the contrary, a higher lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was related to lower WMH volume (OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.82-1.00, p=0.041). Longitudinally, higher neutrophils (ρ=0.084, p=0.049) and NLR (ρ=0.111, p=0.009) predicted accelerated progression of WMH volume, while a greater LMR (ρ=-0.101, p=0.018) was linked to slower growth of WMH volume. Nevertheless, associations between peripheral immunity with CMB or LI were not observed at baseline and follow-up. Our study found that peripheral immune indexes could serve as convenient noninvasive biomarkers of WMH.

A new family of instance-level loss functions for improving instance-level segmentation and detection of white matter hyperintensities in routine clinical brain MRI

In this study, we introduce "instance loss functions", a new family of loss functions designed to enhance the training of neural networks in the instance-level segmentation and detection of objects in biomedical image data, particularly those of varied numbers and sizes. Intended to be utilized conjointly with traditional loss functions, these proposed functions, prioritize object instances over pixel-by-pixel comparisons. The specific functions, the instance segmentation loss (Linstance), the instance center loss (Lcenter), the false instance rate loss (Lfalse), and the instance proximity loss (Lproximity), serve distinct purposes. Specifically, Linstance improves instance-wise segmentation quality, Lcenter enhances segmentation quality of small instances, Lfalse minimizes the rate of false and missed detections across varied instance sizes, and Lproximity improves detection quality by pulling predicted instances towards the ground truth instances. Through the task of segmenting white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in brain MRI, we benchmarked our proposed instance loss functions, both individually and in combination via an ensemble inference models approach, against traditional pixel-level loss functions. Data were sourced from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the WMH Segmentation Challenge datasets, which exhibit significant variation in WMH instance sizes. Empirical evaluations demonstrate that combining two instance-level loss functions through ensemble inference models outperforms models using other loss function on both the ADNI and WMH Segmentation Challenge datasets for the segmentation and detection of WMH instances. Further, applying these functions to the segmentation of nuclei in histopathology images demonstrated their effectiveness and generalizability beyond WMH, improving performance even in contexts with less severe instance imbalance.

Leukoaraiosis: Epidemiology, Imaging, Risk Factors, and Management of Age-Related Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensities

Leukoaraiosis (LA) manifests as cerebral white matter hyperintensities on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans and corresponds to white matter lesions or abnormalities in brain tissue. Clinically, it is generally detected in the early 40s and is highly prevalent globally in individuals aged >60 years. From the imaging perspective, LA can present as several heterogeneous forms, including punctate and patchy lesions in deep or subcortical white matter; lesions with periventricular caps, a pencil-thin lining, and smooth halo; as well as irregular lesions, which are not always benign. Given its potential of having deleterious effects on normal brain function and the resulting increase in public health burden, considerable effort has been focused on investigating the associations between various risk factors and LA risk, and developing its associated clinical interventions. However, study results have been inconsistent, most likely due to potential differences in study designs, neuroimaging methods, and sample sizes as well as the inherent neuroimaging heterogeneity and multi-factorial nature of LA. In this article, we provided an overview of LA and summarized the current knowledge regarding its epidemiology, neuroimaging classification, pathological characteristics, risk factors, and potential intervention strategies.

Cerebral perivascular spaces as predictors of dementia risk and accelerated brain atrophy

Cerebral small vessel disease, an important risk factor for dementia, lacks robust, in vivo measurement methods. Perivascular spaces (PVS) on brain MRI are surrogates for small parenchymal blood vessels and their perivascular compartment, and may relate to brain health. We developed a novel, robust algorithm to automatically assess PVS count and size on MRI, and investigated their relationship with dementia risk and brain atrophy. We analyzed 46,478 clinical measurements of cognitive functioning and 20,845 brain MRI scans from 10,004 participants (71.1±9.7 years-old, 56.6% women). Fewer PVS and larger PVS diameter at baseline were associated with higher dementia risk and accelerated brain atrophy. Longitudinal trajectories of PVS markers were significantly different in non-demented individuals who converted to dementia compared with non-converters. In simulated placebo-controlled trials for treatments targeting cognitive decline, screening out participants less likely to develop dementia based on our PVS markers enhanced the power of the trial. These novel radiographic cerebrovascular markers may improve risk-stratification of individuals, potentially reducing cost and increasing throughput of clinical trials to combat dementia.

Association of Retinal Neurovascular Impairment with Disease Severity in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study

Background

Identifying the fundus objective biomarkers for the major depressive disorders (MDD) may help promote mental health. The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal neurovascular changes and further investigate their association with disease severity in MDD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted in the hospital enrolled patients with MDD and healthy controls.The retinal neurovascular parameters for all subjects, including vessel density (VD), thickness of ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and optic nerve head (ONH) eg are automatically calculated by the software in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The severity of MDD including depressive symptoms, anxiety, cognition, and insomnia was assessed by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) respectively.

Results

This study included 74 MDD patients (n=74 eyes) and 60 healthy controls (HCs) (n=60 eyes). MDD patients showed significantly decreased VD of superficial and deep capillary plexus, thickness of GCC and RNFL, and volume of ONH (all p<0.05) and increased vertical cup-to-disc ratio and global loss volume (GLV) (all p<0.05) compared to HCs. Positive associations were found between HAMD scores and cup area (r=0.30, p=0.035), cup volume (r=0.31, p=0.029), and disc area (r=0.33, p=0.020) as well as ISI scores and RNFL thickness (r=0.34, p=0.047).

Conclusion

We found the retinal neurovascular impairment and its association with disease severity in MDD patients. OCTA showed promise as a potential complementary assessment tool for MDD.

Exploring vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (ENIGMA): protocol for a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is common. However, the underlying pathophysiology remains largely unknown. Understanding the role of microvascular changes and finding markers that can predict PSCI, could be a first step towards better screening and management of PSCI. Capillary dysfunction is a pathological feature of cerebral small vessel disease and may play a role in the mechanisms underlying PSCI. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted from cells and may act as disease biomarkers. We aim to investigate the role of capillary dysfunction in PSCI and the associations between EV characteristics and cognitive function one year after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

The ENIGMA study is a single-centre prospective clinical observational study conducted at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Consecutive patients with AIS and TIA are included and followed for one year with follow-up visits at three and 12 months. An MRI is performed at 24 h and 12 months follow-up. EV characteristics will be characterised from blood samples drawn at 24 h and three months follow-up. Cognitive function is assessed three and 12 months after AIS and TIA using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status.

DISCUSSION

Using novel imaging and molecular biological techniques the ENIGMA study will provide new knowledge about the vascular contributions to cognitive decline and dementia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is retrospectively registered as an ongoing observational study at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT06257823.

Microvascular damage, neuroinflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in Col18a1 knockout mice as a model for early cerebral small vessel disease

Collagen type XVIII (COL18) is an abundant heparan sulfate proteoglycan in vascular basement membranes. Here, we asked (i) if the loss of COL18 would result in blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, pathological alterations of small arteries and capillaries and neuroinflammation as found in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and (ii) if such changes may be associated with remodeling of synapses and neural extracellular matrix (ECM). We found that 5-month-old Col18a1-/- mice had elevated BBB permeability for mouse IgG in the deep gray matter, and intravascular erythrocyte accumulations were observed brain-wide in capillaries and arterioles. BBB permeability increased with age and affected cortical regions and the hippocampus in 12-month-old Col18a1-/- mice. None of the Col18a1-/- mice displayed hallmarks of advanced CSVD, such as hemorrhages, and did not show perivascular space enlargement. Col18a1 deficiency-induced BBB leakage was accompanied by activation of microglia and astrocytes, a loss of aggrecan in the ECM of perineuronal nets associated with fast-spiking inhibitory interneurons and accumulation of the perisynaptic ECM proteoglycan brevican and the microglial complement protein C1q at excitatory synapses. As the pathway underlying these regulations, we found increased signaling through the TGF-ß1/Smad3/TIMP-3 cascade. We verified the pivotal role of COL18 for small vessel wall structure in CSVD by demonstrating the protein's involvement in vascular remodeling in autopsy brains from patients with cerebral hypertensive arteriopathy. Our study highlights an association between the alterations of perivascular ECM, extracellular proteolysis, and perineuronal/perisynaptic ECM, as a possible substrate of synaptic and cognitive alterations in CSVD.

Retinal microvascular function and incidence and trajectories of clinically relevant depressive symptoms: the Maastricht Study

BACKGROUND

Cerebral microvascular dysfunction may contribute to depression via disruption of brain structures involved in mood regulation, but evidence is limited. We investigated the association of retinal microvascular function, a proxy for microvascular function in the brain, with incidence and trajectories of clinically relevant depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Longitudinal data are from The Maastricht Study of 5952 participants (59.9 ± 8.5 years/49.7% women) without clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline (2010-2017). Central retinal arteriolar equivalent and central retinal venular equivalent (CRAE and CRVE) and a composite score of flicker light-induced retinal arteriolar and venular dilation were assessed at baseline. We assessed incidence and trajectories of clinically relevant depressive symptoms (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire score ⩾10). Trajectories included continuously low prevalence (low, n = 5225 [87.8%]); early increasing, then chronic high prevalence (early-chronic, n = 157 [2.6%]); low, then increasing prevalence (late-increasing, n = 247 [4.2%]); and remitting prevalence (remitting, n = 323 [5.4%]).

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 7.0 years (range 1.0-11.0), 806 (13.5%) individuals had incident clinically relevant depressive symptoms. After full adjustment, a larger CRAE and CRVE were each associated with a lower risk of clinically relevant depressive symptoms (hazard ratios [HRs] per standard deviation [s.d.]: 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-0.96] and 0.93 [0.86-0.99], respectively), while a lower flicker light-induced retinal dilation was associated with a higher risk of clinically relevant depressive symptoms (HR per s.d.: 1.10 [1.01-1.20]). Compared to the low trajectory, a larger CRAE was associated with lower odds of belonging to the early-chronic trajectory (OR: 0.83 [0.69-0.99]) and a lower flicker light-induced retinal dilation was associated with higher odds of belonging to the remitting trajectory (OR: 1.23 [1.07-1.43]).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the hypothesis that cerebral microvascular dysfunction contributes to the development of depressive symptoms.

Nocturnal blood pressure dipping, blood pressure variability, and cognitive function in early and middle-aged adults

Higher nighttime blood pressure (BP), less BP dipping, and higher BP variability have been linked with worse cognitive function in the elderly. The goal of this study is to explore whether this relationship already exists in early and middle adulthood. We further examined whether ethnic differences between African Americans and European Americans in BP parameters can explain ethnic differences in cognitive function. 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and cognitive function were obtained from 390 participants (average age: 37.2 years with a range of 25-50; 54.9% African Americans; 63.6% females). We observed that higher nighttime BP, decreased dipping, and higher variability were significantly associated with lower scores on the Picture Sequence Memory Test. Significant negative associations between variability and overall composite scores were also observed. No significant associations between average 24-h or daytime BP and cognitive function were observed. Ethnic differences in nighttime diastolic pressures and dipping can explain 6.81% to 10.8% of the ethnicity difference in the score of the Picture Sequence Memory Test (ps < .05). This study suggests that the associations of nighttime BP, dipping, and variability with cognitive function already exist in young and middle-aged adults. Ethnic differences in nighttime BP and dipping can at least partially explain ethnic differences in cognitive function. The stronger association of these parameters with cognitive function than daytime or average BP in this age range raises the importance of using ambulatory BP monitoring for more precise detection of abnormal BP patterns in young adulthood.

SERPINA3: A novel inflammatory biomarker associated with cerebral small vessel disease burden in ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Inflammation has emerged as a prominent risk factor for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). However, the specific association between various inflammatory biomarkers and the development of CSVD remains unclear. Serine proteinase inhibitor A3 (SERPINA3), Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) are several inflammatory biomarkers that are potentially involved in the development of CSVD. In this present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between candidate molecules and CSVD features.

METHOD

The concentration of each biomarker was measured in 79 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted within 72 h after symptom onset. The associations between blood levels of inflammatory markers and CSVD score were investigated, as well as each CSVD feature, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes, and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS).

RESULTS

The mean age was 69.0 ± 11.8 years, and 65.8% of participants were male. Higher SERPINA3 level (>78.90 ng/mL) was significantly associated with larger WMH volume and higher scores on Fazekas's scale in all three models. Multiple regression analyses revealed the linear association between absolute WMH burden and SERPINA3 level, especially in model 3 (β = 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-0.24; p = 0.008 ). Restricted cubic spline regression demonstrated a dose-response relationship between SERPINA3 level and larger WMH volume (p nonlineariy = 0.0366 and 0.0378 in model 2 and mode 3, respectively). Using a receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve, plasma SERPINA3 level of 64.15 ng/mL distinguished WMH >7.8 mL with the highest sensitivity and specificity (75.92% and 60%, respectively, area under curve [AUC] = 0.668, p = 0.0102). No statistically significant relationship has been found between other candidate biomarkers and CSVD features.

CONCLUSION

In summary, among four inflammatory biomarkers that we investigated, SERPINA3 level at baseline was associated with WMH severity, which revealed a novel biomarker for CSVD and validated its relationship with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

Causal relationship between multiparameter brain MRI phenotypes and age: evidence from Mendelian randomization

To explore the causal relationship between age and brain health (cortical atrophy, white matter integrity, white matter hyperintensities and cerebral microbleeds in various brain regions) related multiparameter imaging features using two-sample Mendelian randomization. Age was determined as chronological age of the subject. Cortical volume, white matter micro-integrity, white matter hyperintensity volume and cerebral microbleeds of each brain region were included as phenotypes for brain health. Age and imaging of brain health related genetic data were analysed to determine the causal relationship using inverse-variance weighted model, validated by heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy variables. Age is causally related to increased volumes of white matter hyperintensities (β = 0.151). For white matter micro-integrity, fibres of the inferior cerebellar peduncle (axial diffusivity β = -0.128, orientation dispersion index β = 0.173), cerebral peduncle (axial diffusivity β = -0.136), superior fronto-occipital fasciculus (isotropic volume fraction β = 0.163) and fibres within the limbic system were causally deteriorated. We also detected decreased cortical thickness of multiple frontal and temporal regions (P < 0.05). Microbleeds were not related with aging (P > 0.05). Aging is a threat of brain health, leading to cortical atrophy mainly in the frontal lobes, as well as the white matter degeneration especially abnormal hyperintensity and deteriorated white matter integrity around the hippocampus.

Feasibility of Identifying Factors Related to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia in Real-World Data

A comprehensive view of factors associated with AD/ADRD will significantly aid in studies to develop new treatments for AD/ADRD and identify high-risk populations and patients for prevention efforts. In our study, we summarized the risk factors for AD/ADRD by reviewing existing meta-analyses and review articles on risk and preventive factors for AD/ADRD. In total, we extracted 477 risk factors in 10 categories from 537 studies. We constructed an interactive knowledge map to disseminate our study results. Most of the risk factors are accessible from structured Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and clinical narratives show promise as information sources. However, evaluating genomic risk factors using RWD remains a challenge, as genetic testing for AD/ADRD is still not a common practice and is poorly documented in both structured and unstructured EHRs. Considering the constantly evolving research on AD/ADRD risk factors, literature mining via NLP methods offers a solution to automatically update our knowledge map.

Somatic disease burden and depression risk in late life: a community-based study

AIMS

Co-occurring somatic diseases exhibit complex clinical profiles, which can differentially impact the development of late-life depression. Within a community-based cohort, we aimed to explore the association between somatic disease burden, both in terms of the number of diseases and their patterns, and the incidence of depression in older people.

METHODS

We analysed longitudinal data of depression- and dementia-free individuals aged 60+ years from the population-based Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. Depression diagnoses were clinically ascertained following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision over a 15-year follow-up. Somatic disease burden was assessed at baseline through a comprehensive list of chronic diseases obtained by combining information from clinical examinations, medication reviews and national registers and operationalized as (i) disease count and (ii) patterns of co-occurring diseases from latent class analysis. The association of somatic disease burden with depression incidence was investigated using Cox models, accounting for sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors.

RESULTS

The analytical sample comprised 2904 people (mean age, 73.2 [standard deviation (SD), 10.5]; female, 63.1%). Over the follow-up (mean length, 9.6 years [SD, 4 years]), 225 depression cases were detected. Each additional disease was associated with the occurrence of any depression in a dose-response manner (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08, 1.24). As for disease patterns, individuals presenting with sensory/anaemia (HR, 1.91; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.53), thyroid/musculoskeletal (HR, 1.90; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.39) and cardiometabolic (HR, 2.77; 95% CI: 1.40, 5.46) patterns exhibited with higher depression hazards, compared to those without 2+ diseases (multimorbidity). In the subsample of multimorbid individuals (85%), only the cardiometabolic pattern remained associated with a higher depression hazard compared to the unspecific pattern (HR, 1.71; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.84).

CONCLUSIONS

Both number and patterns of co-occurring somatic diseases are associated with an increased risk of late-life depression. Mental health should be closely monitored among older adults with high somatic burden, especially if affected by cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

Associations of plasma NfL, GFAP, and t-tau with cerebral small vessel disease and incident dementia: longitudinal data of the AGES-Reykjavik Study

We investigated the associations of plasma neurofilament light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and total tau (t-tau) with markers of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and with incident dementia. We also investigated whether associations of NfL, GFAP, and t-tau with incident dementia were explained by SVD. Data are from a random subsample (n = 1069) of the population-based AGES-Reykjavik Study who underwent brain MRI and in whom plasma NfL, GFAP, and t-tau were measured at baseline (76.1 ± 5.4 years/55.9% women/baseline 2002-2006/follow-up until 2015). A composite SVD burden score was calculated using white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), subcortical infarcts, cerebral microbleeds, and large perivascular spaces. Dementia was assessed in a 3-step process and adjudicated by specialists. Higher NfL was associated with a higher SVD burden score. Dementia occurred in 225 (21.0%) individuals. The SVD burden score significantly explained part of the association between NfL and incident dementia. WMHV mostly strongly contributed to the explained effect. GFAP was not associated with the SVD burden score, but was associated with WMHV, and WMHV significantly explained part of the association between GFAP and incident dementia. T-tau was associated with WMHV, but not with incident dementia. In conclusion, the marker most strongly related to SVD is plasma NfL, for which the association with WMHV appeared to explain part of its association with incident dementia. This study suggests that plasma NfL may reflect the contribution of co-morbid vascular disease to dementia. However, the magnitude of the explained effect was relatively small, and further research is required to investigate the clinical implications of this finding.

Dysfunction of the triple-network model is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease

Purpose

This study aimed to demonstrate the correlations between the altered functional connectivity patterns in the triple-network model and cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vascular disease (CSVD).

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained from 22 patients with CSVD and 20 healthy controls. The resting-state data were analyzed using independent component analysis and functional network connectivity (FNC) analysis to explore the functional alterations in the intrinsic triple-network model including the salience network (SN), default mode network (DMN), and central executive network (CEN), and their correlations with the cognitive deficits and clinical observations in the patients with CSVD.

Results

Compared to the healthy controls, the patients with CSVD exhibited increased connectivity patterns in the CEN-DMN and decreased connectivity patterns in the DMN-SN, CEN-SN, intra-SN, and intra-DMN. Significant negative correlations were detected between the intra-DMN connectivity pattern and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) total scores (r = -0.460, p = 0.048) and MoCA abstraction scores (r = -0.565, p = 0.012), and a positive correlation was determined between the intra-SN connectivity pattern and the MoCA abstraction scores (r = 0.491, p = 0.033).

Conclusions

Our study findings suggest that the functional alterations in the triple-network model are associated with the cognitive deficits in patients with CSVD and shed light on the importance of the triple-network model in the pathogenesis of CSVD.

Anxiety in late-life depression: Associations with brain volume, amyloid beta, white matter lesions, cognition, and functional ability

OBJECTIVES

Late-life depression (LLD) is common and frequently co-occurs with neurodegenerative diseases of aging. Little is known about how heterogeneity within LLD relates to factors typically associated with neurodegeneration. Varying levels of anxiety are one source of heterogeneity in LLD. We examined associations between anxiety symptom severity and factors associated with neurodegeneration, including regional brain volumes, amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, white matter disease, cognitive dysfunction, and functional ability in LLD.

PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Older adults with major depression (N = 121, Ages 65-91) were evaluated for anxiety severity and the following: brain volume (orbitofrontal cortex [OFC], insula), cortical Aβ standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, global cognition, and functional ability. Separate linear regression analyses adjusting for age, sex, and concurrent depression severity were conducted to examine associations between anxiety and each of these factors. A global regression analysis was then conducted to examine the relative associations of these variables with anxiety severity.

RESULTS

Greater anxiety severity was associated with lower OFC volume (β = -68.25, t = -2.18, p = .031) and greater cognitive dysfunction (β = 0.23, t = 2.46, p = .016). Anxiety severity was not associated with insula volume, Aβ SUVR, WMH, or functional ability. When examining the relative associations of cognitive functioning and OFC volume with anxiety in a global model, cognitive dysfunction (β = 0.24, t = 2.62, p = .010), but not OFC volume, remained significantly associated with anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Among multiple factors typically associated with neurodegeneration, cognitive dysfunction stands out as a key factor associated with anxiety severity in LLD which has implications for cognitive and psychiatric interventions.

Cerebral Microvascular Perfusion Assessed in Elderly Adults by Spin-Echo Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MRI at 7 Tesla

Perfusion measures of the total vasculature are commonly derived with gradient-echo (GE) dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MR images, which are acquired during the early passes of a contrast agent. Alternatively, spin-echo (SE) DSC can be used to achieve specific sensitivity to the capillary signal. For an improved contrast-to-noise ratio, ultra-high-field MRI makes this technique more appealing to study cerebral microvascular physiology. Therefore, this study assessed the applicability of SE-DSC MRI at 7 T. Forty-one elderly adults underwent 7 T MRI using a multi-slice SE-EPI DSC sequence. The cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were determined in the cortical grey matter (CGM) and white matter (WM) and compared to values from the literature. The relation of CBV and CBF with age and sex was investigated. Higher CBV and CBF values were found in CGM compared to WM, whereby the CGM-to-WM ratios depended on the amount of largest vessels excluded from the analysis. CBF was negatively associated with age in the CGM, while no significant association was found with CBV. Both CBV and CBF were higher in women compared to men in both CGM and WM. The current study verifies the possibility of quantifying cerebral microvascular perfusion with SE-DSC MRI at 7 T.

Where is VALDO? VAscular Lesions Detection and segmentatiOn challenge at MICCAI 2021

Imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease provide valuable information on brain health, but their manual assessment is time-consuming and hampered by substantial intra- and interrater variability. Automated rating may benefit biomedical research, as well as clinical assessment, but diagnostic reliability of existing algorithms is unknown. Here, we present the results of the VAscular Lesions DetectiOn and Segmentation (Where is VALDO?) challenge that was run as a satellite event at the international conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer Aided Intervention (MICCAI) 2021. This challenge aimed to promote the development of methods for automated detection and segmentation of small and sparse imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease, namely enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) (Task 1), cerebral microbleeds (Task 2) and lacunes of presumed vascular origin (Task 3) while leveraging weak and noisy labels. Overall, 12 teams participated in the challenge proposing solutions for one or more tasks (4 for Task 1-EPVS, 9 for Task 2-Microbleeds and 6 for Task 3-Lacunes). Multi-cohort data was used in both training and evaluation. Results showed a large variability in performance both across teams and across tasks, with promising results notably for Task 1-EPVS and Task 2-Microbleeds and not practically useful results yet for Task 3-Lacunes. It also highlighted the performance inconsistency across cases that may deter use at an individual level, while still proving useful at a population level.

Gait Parameters can Reflect Cognitive Performance in Older Adults with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Cross-sectional Research

BACKGROUND

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a common chronic progressive disease. It remains unclear whether high gait variability is a marker of cognitive cortical dysfunction.

METHODS

This study included 285 subjects (aged from 60 to 85 years, 60.3% female) including 37 controls, 179 presented as Fazekas II, and 69 presented as Fazekas III. The severity of white matter hyperintensities was assessed by the Fazekas Rating Scale. Gait parameters were assessed using a vision-based artificial intelligent gait analyzer. Cognitive function was tested by MMSE, MoCA, DST, and VFT.

RESULTS

Three gait parameters including gait speed, gait length, and swing time were associated with cognitive performance in patients with CSVD. Gait speed was associated with cognitive performance, including MMSE (β 0.200; 95%CI 1.706-6.018; p <.001), MoCA (β 0.183; 95%CI 2.047-7.046; p <.001), DST (order) (β 0.204; 95%CI 0.563-2.093; p =.001) and VFT (β 0.162; 95%CI 0.753-4.865; p =.008). Gait length was associated with cognitive performance, including MMSE (β 0.193; 95%CI 3.475-12.845; p =.001), MoCA (β 0.213; 95%CI 6.098-16.942; p <.001), DST (order) (β 0.224; 95%CI 1.056-4.839; P <.001) and VFT (β 0.149; 95%CI 1.088- 10.114; p =.015). Swing time was associated with cognitive performance, including MMSE (β - 0.242; 95%CI -2.639 to -0.974; p<.001), MoCA (β -0.211; 95%CI -2.989 to -1.034; p <.001) and DST (reverse order) (β -0.140; 95%CI -0.568 to -0.049; p =.020).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the relationship between gait parameters and cognitive performance in patients with CSVD and the deteriorated gait parameters can reflect cognitive impairment and even dementia in older people with CSVD.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of microglia phenotype in human and murine cSVD: impact of acute and chronic hypertensive states

Vascular risk factors such as chronic hypertension are well-established major modifiable factors for the development of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). In the present study, our focus was the investigation of cSVD-related phenotypic changes in microglia in human disease and in the spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rat (SHRSP) model of cSVD. Our examination of cortical microglia in human post-mortem cSVD cortical tissue revealed distinct morphological microglial features specific to cSVD. We identified enlarged somata, an increase in the territory occupied by thickened microglial processes, and an expansion in the number of vascular-associated microglia. In parallel, we characterized microglia in a rodent model of hypertensive cSVD along different durations of arterial hypertension, i.e., early chronic and late chronic hypertension. Microglial somata were already enlarged in early hypertension. In contrast, at late-stage chronic hypertension, they further exhibited elongated branches, thickened processes, and a reduced ramification index, mirroring the findings in human cSVD. An unbiased multidimensional flow cytometric analysis revealed phenotypic heterogeneity among microglia cells within the hippocampus and cortex. At early-stage hypertension, hippocampal microglia exhibited upregulated CD11b/c, P2Y12R, CD200R, and CD86 surface expression. Detailed analysis of cell subpopulations revealed a unique microglial subset expressing CD11b/c, CD163, and CD86 exclusively in early hypertension. Notably, even at early-stage hypertension, microglia displayed a higher association with cerebral blood vessels. We identified several profound clusters of microglia expressing distinct marker profiles at late chronic hypertensive states. In summary, our findings demonstrate a higher vulnerability of the hippocampus, stage-specific microglial signatures based on morphological features, and cell surface protein expression in response to chronic arterial hypertension. These results indicate the diversity within microglia sub-populations and implicate the subtle involvement of microglia in cSVD pathogenesis.

Arterial Stiffness Is Associated With Small Vessel Disease Irrespective of Blood Pressure in Stroke-Free Individuals

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness and hypertension are important risk factors for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Clinically, there are hypertensive patients with low pulse wave velocity (PWV) and nonhypertensive individuals with high PWV. We aimed to determine the effects of arterial stiffness on CSVD in normotensive individuals.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 1894 stroke-free participants who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurements at a health checkup between 2013 and 2020. CSVD was defined as any of following: white matter hyperintensities, cerebral microbleeds, silent lacunar infarcts, and enlarged perivascular spaces. baPWV was measured using an automatic oscillometric device. Participants were divided into 4 groups according to the following cutoff points: low blood pressure (BP, <120/80 mm Hg) with low baPWV (<14.63 m/s, a cutoff value that predicted CSVD); high BP (≥120/80 mm Hg) with low baPWV; low BP with high baPWV (≥14.63 m/s); and high BP with high baPWV.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 57±13 years (41% women). The prevalence of CSVD was 718 (38%), which was higher in the low BP with high baPWV (56%) and high BP with high baPWV (55%) groups than in the high BP with low baPWV (24%) and low BP with low baPWV (22%) groups. Compared with the low BP with low baPWV group, the low BP with high baPWV group (odds ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.09-2.43]) and the high BP with high baPWV group (odds ratio, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.39-2.49]) had a significantly higher multivariable-adjusted risk for CSVD.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with a high baPWV had a higher prevalence of CSVD, independent of BP status. Higher arterial stiffness is likely to be a more important risk factor for CSVD than BP status in stroke-free individuals.

The importance of microvascular inflammation in ageing and age-related diseases: a position paper from the ESH working group on small arteries, section of microvascular inflammation

Microcirculation is pervasive and orchestrates a profound regulatory cross-talk with the surrounding tissue and organs. Similarly, it is one of the earliest biological systems targeted by environmental stressors and consequently involved in the development and progression of ageing and age-related disease. Microvascular dysfunction, if not targeted, leads to a steady derangement of the phenotype, which cumulates comorbidities and eventually results in a nonrescuable, very high-cardiovascular risk. Along the broad spectrum of pathologies, both shared and distinct molecular pathways and pathophysiological alteration are involved in the disruption of microvascular homeostasis, all pointing to microvascular inflammation as the putative primary culprit. This position paper explores the presence and the detrimental contribution of microvascular inflammation across the whole spectrum of chronic age-related diseases, which characterise the 21st-century healthcare landscape. The manuscript aims to strongly affirm the centrality of microvascular inflammation by recapitulating the current evidence and providing a clear synoptic view of the whole cardiometabolic derangement. Indeed, there is an urgent need for further mechanistic exploration to identify clear, very early or disease-specific molecular targets to provide an effective therapeutic strategy against the otherwise unstoppable rising prevalence of age-related diseases.

Is later-life depression a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease or a prodromal symptom: a study using post-mortem human brain tissue?

BACKGROUND

Depression and dementia are both common diseases. Although new cases of depression are more common in younger adults, there is a second peak at the age of 50 years suggesting a different pathological process. Late-life depression (LLD) is associated with dementia. However, it remains unclear whether depression represents a dementia prodrome or is a true risk factor for its development. LLD is thought to have a vascular component and this may be a possible link between depression and dementia. We hypothesised that later-life depression is a prodromal manifestation of dementia and would therefore be associated with more AD, and/or ischaemic brain abnormalities that are present in earlier-life depression or in age- and sex-matched controls.

METHODS

We assessed post-mortem orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex from 145 individuals in 4 groups: 28 18-50-year-olds with depression, 30 older individuals (ages 51-90) with depression, 28 with early AD (Braak tangle stages III-IV) and 57 matched controls (17 early-life, 42 later-life). Levels of Aβ, phospho-tau and α-synuclein were assessed by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. To quantify chronic ischaemia, VEGF, MAG and PLP1 were measured by ELISA. To assess pericyte damage, PDGFRB was measured by ELISA. For blood-brain barrier leakiness, JAM-A, claudin 5 and fibrinogen were measured by ELISA. To quantity endothelial activation, the ratio of ICAM1:collagen IV was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

There was no evidence of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion or increased Aβ/tau in either depression group. There was also no indication of pericyte damage, increased blood-brain barrier leakiness or endothelial activation in the OFC or DLPFC in the depression groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to some previous findings, we have not found evidence of impaired vascular function or increased Aβ in LLD. Our study had a relatively small sample size and limitations in the availability of clinical data. These results suggest that depression is a risk factor for dementia rather than an early manifestation of AD or a consequence of cerebral vascular insufficiency.

Methods of a Study to Assess the Contribution of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Dementia Risk Alleles to Racial Disparities in Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Background Non-Hispanic Black adults have a higher proportion of vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias compared with non-Hispanic White adults that may be due to differences in the burden of cerebral small vessel disease and risk alleles for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We describe here the methods of an ancillary study to the REGARDS (Reason for Geographic and and Racial Difference in Stroke) study, which will examine the role of magnetic resonance imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease and vascular as well as genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in racial disparity in the prevalence and trajectory of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia in non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black participants. Methods In participants with no prior history of stroke who had an incident stroke or transient ischemic attack after enrollment in the study, magnetic resonance imaging scans will be evaluated using the Standards for Reporting Vascular Changes on Neuroimaging international consensus criteria and automated analysis pipelines for quantification of cerebral small vessel disease. Participants will be genotyped for APOE ε4 and TREM2 risk alleles for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The 6-item screener will define global cognitive function and be the primary cognitive outcome. Conclusions With at least 426 non-Hispanic Black and 463 non-Hispanic White participants who have at least 2 prior and 2 poststroke or transient ischemic attack cognitive assessments, we will have at least 80% power to detect a minimum effect size of 0.09 SD change in Z score, with correction for as many as 20 tests (ie, at P<0.0025, after adjusting for up to 20 covariates) for cognitive decline.

Attenuated cognitive functioning decades after preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia, a hypertensive pregnancy disorder, is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, with remote cardio- and cerebrovascular implications. After preeclampsia, women may report serious disabling cognitive complaints, especially involving executive function, but the extent and time course of these complaints are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the impact of preeclampsia on perceived maternal cognitive functioning decades after pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

This study is part of a cross-sectional case-control study named Queen of Hearts (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02347540), a collaboration study of 5 tertiary referral centers within the Netherlands investigating long-term effects of preeclampsia. Eligible participants were female patients aged ≥18 years after preeclampsia and after normotensive pregnancy between 6 months and 30 years after their first (complicated) pregnancy. Preeclampsia was defined as new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation along with proteinuria, fetal growth restriction, or other maternal organ dysfunction. Women with a history of hypertension, autoimmune disease, or kidney disease before their first pregnancy were excluded. Attenuation of higher-order cognitive functions, that is, executive function, was measured with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function for Adults. Crude and covariate-adjusted absolute and relative risks of clinical attenuation over time after (complicated) pregnancy were determined with moderated logistic and log-binomial regression.

RESULTS

This study included 1036 women with a history of preeclampsia and 527 women with normotensive pregnancies. Regarding overall executive function, 23.2% (95% confidence interval, 19.0-28.1) of women experienced clinically relevant attenuation after preeclampsia, as opposed to 2.2% (95% confidence interval, 0.8-6.0) of controls immediately after childbirth (adjusted relative risk, 9.20 [95% confidence interval, 3.33-25.38]). Group differences diminished yet remained statistically significant (P < .05) at least 19 years postpartum. Regardless of history of preeclampsia, women with lower educational attainment, mood or anxiety disorders, or obesity were especially at risk. Neither severity of preeclampsia, multiple gestation, method of delivery, preterm birth, nor perinatal death was related to overall executive function.

CONCLUSION

After preeclampsia, women were 9 times more likely to experience clinical attenuation of higher-order cognitive functions as opposed to after normotensive pregnancy. Despite overall steady improvement, elevated risks persisted over decades after childbirth.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor and cortisol expression to predict prognosis of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Cerebral hemorrhage is a common and severe complication of hypertension in middle-aged and elderly men.

AIM

To investigate the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cortisol (Cor) and the prognosis of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

A hundred patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled from January 2020 to December 2022 and assigned to the hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage group. Another 100 healthy people who were examined at our hospital during the same period were selected and assigned to the healthy group. Peripheral venous blood was collected, and serum Cor and VGEF levels were measured through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in serum Cor and VGEF levels was observed among patients with varying degrees of neurological impairment (P < 0.05). Serum Cor and VGEF levels were significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild-to-moderate group. Cor and VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients with poor prognoses than in those with good prognoses. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that serum Cor and VGEF levels were independent factors affecting hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cor and VGEF are associated with the occurrence and development of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and are significantly associated with neurological impairment and prognosis of patients.

Complexities of cerebral small vessel disease, blood pressure, and dementia relationship: new insights from genetics

Importance

There is increasing recognition that vascular disease, which can be treated, is a key contributor to dementia risk. However, the contribution of specific markers of vascular disease is unclear and, as a consequence, optimal prevention strategies remain unclear.

Objective

To disentangle the causal relation of several key vascular traits to dementia risk: (i) white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden, a highly prevalent imaging marker of covert cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD); (ii) clinical stroke; and (iii) blood pressure (BP), the leading risk factor for cSVD and stroke, for which efficient therapies exist. To account for potential epidemiological biases inherent to late-onset conditions like dementia.

Design Setting and Participants

This study first explored the association of genetically determined WMH, BP levels and stroke risk with AD using summary-level data from large genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) framework. Second, leveraging individual-level data from large longitudinal population-based cohorts and biobanks with prospective dementia surveillance, the association of weighted genetic risk scores (wGRSs) for WMH, BP, and stroke with incident all-cause-dementia was explored using Cox-proportional hazard and multi-state models. The data analysis was performed from July 26, 2020, through July 24, 2022.

Exposures

Genetically determined levels of WMH volume and BP (systolic, diastolic and pulse blood pressures) and genetic liability to stroke.

Main outcomes and measures

The summary-level MR analyses focused on the outcomes from GWAS of clinically diagnosed AD (n-cases=21,982) and GWAS additionally including self-reported parental history of dementia as a proxy for AD diagnosis (ADmeta, n-cases=53,042). For the longitudinal analyses, individual-level data of 157,698 participants with 10,699 incident all-cause-dementia were studied, exploring AD, vascular or mixed dementia in secondary analyses.

Results

In the two-sample MR analyses, WMH showed strong evidence for a causal association with increased risk of ADmeta (OR, 1.16; 95%CI:1.05-1.28; P=.003) and AD (OR, 1.28; 95%CI:1.07-1.53; P=.008), after accounting for genetically determined pulse pressure for the latter. Genetically predicted BP traits showed evidence for a protective association with both clinically defined AD and ADmeta, with evidence for confounding by shared genetic instruments. In longitudinal analyses the wGRSs for WMH, but not BP or stroke, showed suggestive association with incident all-cause-dementia (HR, 1.02; 95%CI:1.00-1.04; P=.06). BP and stroke wGRSs were strongly associated with mortality but there was no evidence for selective survival bias during follow-up. In secondary analyses, polygenic scores with more liberal instrument definition showed association of both WMH and stroke with all-cause-dementia, AD, and vascular or mixed dementia; associations of stroke, but not WMH, with dementia outcomes were markedly attenuated after adjusting for interim stroke.

Conclusion

These findings provide converging evidence that WMH is a leading vascular contributor to dementia risk, which may better capture the brain damage caused by BP (and other etiologies) than BP itself and should be targeted in priority for dementia prevention in the population.

Immunosenescence as a convergence pathway in neurodegeneration

Immunity refers to the body's defense mechanism to protect itself against illness or to produce antibodies against pathogens. Senescence is a cellular phenomenon that integrates a sustainable growth restriction, other phenotypic abnormalities and including a pro-inflammatory secretome. It is highly involved in regulating developmental stages, tissue homeostasis, and tumor proliferation monitoring. Contemporary experimental reports imply that abolition of senescent cells employing evolved genetic and therapeutic approaches augment the chances of survival and boosts the health span of an individual. Immunosenescence is considered as a process in which dysfunction of the immune system occurs with aging and greatly includes remodeling of lymphoid organs. This in turn causes fluctuations in the immune function of the elderly that has strict relation with the expansion of autoimmune diseases, infections, malignant tumors and neurodegenerative disorders. The interaction of the nervous and immune systems during aging is marked by bi-directional influence and mutual correlation of variations. The enhanced systemic inflammatory condition in the elderly, and the neuronal immune cell activity can be modulated by inflamm-aging and peripheral immunosenescence resulting in chronic low-grade inflammatory processes in the central Nervous system known as neuro-inflammaging. For example, glia excitation by cytokines and glia pro-inflammatory productions contribute significantly to memory injury as well as in acute systemic inflammation, which is associated with high levels of Tumor necrosis factor -α and a rise in cognitive decline. In recent years its role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease has caught research interest to a large extent. This article reviews the connection concerning the immune and nervous systems and highlights how immunosenescence and inflamm-aging can affect neurodegenerative disorders.

Relationship between Serum Irisin Levels and MRI-Measured Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in Japanese Men

AIM

Irisin, an exercise-induced myokine, is a potential neurotrophic factor; however, its relationship with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether serum irisin levels are associated with CSVD in healthy Japanese men.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 720 men free of stroke and participated in this observational study. Serum irisin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CSVD was assessed on deep and subcortical white matter hyperintensities (DSWMHs), periventricular hyperintensities (PVHs), lacunar infarcts (LIs), and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) on brain magnetic resonance imaging. We calculated the total CSVD score (ranges 0-4) to express the total CSVD burden. We computed the adjusted odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), of the total CSVD score and individual CSVD features using logistic regression models according to the quartiles of irisin (reference: Q1).

RESULTS

Serum irisin levels were associated with lower ORs of higher (vs. zero or lower score) total CSVD score, with the lowest risk (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41-0.97) being observed in Q3 compared to Q1 after adjustment of potential covariates. Similar results were obtained for younger adults (＜65 years). Among individual CSVD features, irisin was associated with a reduced risk of LIs in the total sample and PVHs, LIs, and CMBs in younger adults. No relationship was observed in older adults (≥ 65 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum irisin levels were associated with less burden of total CSVD in healthy Japanese men. Serum irisin levels were also related with a reduced risk of PVHs, LIs, and CMBs, but not DSWMHs.

Prevalence and Outcomes of Depression, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Concurrent Anxiety (DOCA) in Stroke Survivors: Insights From a Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Many individuals will also experience psychological side effects after a stroke episode, such as symptoms of depression, anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)), and/or specific phobias, considerably decreasing their quality of life (QOL).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and concurrent anxiety (DOCA) and their outcomes (morbidity, disability (All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group (APRDRG) - loss of function), and discharge disposition) among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) hospitalizations.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2003-2017. Adults with hospitalizations with AIS were extracted, and DOCA was identified using ICD-9/10-CM codes. Weighted analysis using a chi-square test and mixed-effect multivariable survey logistic regression was used to assess the prevalence and role of DOCA in predicting outcomes.

RESULTS

Out of 5,690,773 AIS hospitalizations, 2.7%, 3.1%, and 4.4% had depression, OSA, and GAD, respectively. In AIS patients, females had a higher prevalence of depression (3.4% vs. 2.3%) and GAD (5.9% vs. 3.0%) and a quality of life lower prevalence of OSA (2.2% vs 4.4%) in comparison to males (p<0.0001). Caucasians had a higher prevalence of depression, OSA, and GAD in comparison to others (African Americans/Hispanics/Asians/Native Americans). Depressed patients had a higher prevalence of morbidity (9% vs. 8% vs 5% vs. 7%), disability (46% vs. 46% vs. 35% vs. 37%), transfer to non-home (69% vs. 58% vs. 61% vs. 63%) in comparison with OSA, GAD, and non-DOCA patients, respectively (p<0.0001). Depression was associated with a 40% higher chance of severe disability (aOR 1.40; 95% CI 1.38-41), morbidity (1.36; 1.33-1.38), and discharge to non-home (1.54; 1.52-1.56). OSA and GAD had higher odds of non-home discharge amongst post-AIS hospitalizations.

CONCLUSION

DOCA is associated with poor outcomes among post-AIS patients. Prompt recognition by screening and timely management of DOCA may mitigate the adverse outcomes.

Associations of neuroimaging markers with depressive symptoms over time in middle-aged and elderly persons

BACKGROUND

Cerebrovascular disease is regarded as a potential cause of late-life depression. Yet, evidence for associations of neuroimaging markers of vascular brain disease with depressive symptoms is inconclusive. We examined the associations of neuroimaging markers and depressive symptoms in a large population-based study of middle-aged and elderly persons over time.

METHODS

A total of 4943 participants (mean age = 64.6 ± 11.1 years, 55.7% women) from the Rotterdam Study were included. At baseline, total brain volume, gray matter volume, white matter volume, white matter hyperintensities volume, cortical infarcts, lacunar infarcts, microbleeds, white matter fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity (MD) were measured with a brain MRI (1.5T). Depressive symptoms were assessed twice with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (median follow-up time: 5.5 years, IQR = 0.9). To assess temporal associations of neuroimaging markers and depressive symptoms, linear mixed models were used.

RESULTS

A smaller total brain volume (β = -0.107, 95% CI -0.192 to -0.022), larger white matter hyperintensities volume (β = 0.047, 95% CI 0.010-0.084), presence of cortical infarcts (β = 0.194, 95% CI 0.047-0.341), and higher MD levels (β = 0.060, 95% CI 0.022-0.098) were cross-sectionally associated with more depressive symptoms. Longitudinal analyses showed that small total brain volume (β = -0.091, 95% CI -0.167 to -0.015) and presence of cortical infarcts (β = 0.168, 95% CI 0.022-0.314) were associated with increasing depressive symptoms over time. After stratification on age, effect sizes were more pronounced at older ages.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuroimaging markers of white matter microstructural damage were associated with depressive symptoms longitudinally in this study of middle-aged and elderly persons. These associations were more pronounced at older ages, providing evidence for the role of white matter structure in late-life depressive symptomatology.

Gender heterogeneity in the influencing factors for cerebral microbleeds in acute ischemic stroke patients

BACKGROUND

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are common in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. The presence of CMBs increases the risk of hemorrhagic transformation in AIS patients, and it is also closely associated with cognitive decline and even dementia. At present, there exist different opinions on the independent risk factors for CMBs, and there is no consensus on whether there are gender differences in -post-stroke CMB. Therefore, this study sought to investigate gender heterogeneity in the influencing factors for CMBs by studying male and female AIS patients.

METHODS

This was a China-based, Single-center, retrospective review of data from 482 AIS inpatients at the Neurology Department of Hebei General Hospital (NCT05882123). Both demographic and clinical data were collected from the study subjects. Different head magnetic resonance imaging sequences were used to assess the subjects' CMBs, white matter lesions, and old lacunar infarcts (LI). Various statistical methods, including the t-test, χ2 test, and logistic regression, were used to analyze the gender heterogeneity of the influencing factors for CMBs in AIS patients.

RESULTS

When compared with the male AIS patients, the female AIS patients were older and had higher total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, ApoA, ApoB, and fibrinogen levels. The female AIS patients also had higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores and hypertension disease composition ratios. By contrast, the proportions of female AIS patients with a history of smoking and a history of alcohol consumption were both lower than the corresponding proportions of male AIS patients. These differences were all statistically significant (p < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence and severity of CMBs between the male and female AIS patients (χ2 ＝ 0.851, 3.092, p > .05). The univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses confirmed that age (OR = 1.074, 95% CI: 1.013-1.139, p = .016) and old LI (OR = 4.295, 95% CI: 1.062-17.375, p = .041) were independent risk factors for comorbid CMBs in the female AIS patients, while blood glucose (OR = 0.692, 95% CI: 0.494-0.968, p = .031) was an independent protective factor for comorbid CMBs in the female AIS patients. However, these factors were not found to be independent risk or protective factors for comorbid CMBs in male AIS patients.

CONCLUSION

There are gender differences in the influencing factors for CMBs in AIS patients. Age, old LIs, and blood glucose are independent risk or protective factors for comorbid CMBs in female AIS patients, although they are not associated with the risk of developing CMBs in male AIS patients.

Changes in Cardiovascular Health Across Midlife and Late-Life and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Markers of Cerebral Vascular Disease in Late-Life

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular health may be used for prevention of cerebral vascular disease; however, data on the association of cardiovascular health across midlife and late-life with late-life cerebral vascular disease are lacking. Our aim was to examine whether midlife or late-life cardiovascular health as well as changes of cardiovascular health within midlife and between midlife and late-life were associated with prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging markers of cerebral vascular disease at late-life.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study including 1638 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study who took part in 2 visits at midlife (mean ages, 53 and 59 years), and a late-life visit (mean age, 76 years). A cardiovascular health Life's Simple 7 score (range, 0-12/0-14, depending on diet availability) including 6 out of 7 items was calculated at each visit, with weight assigned to each item as poor (0), intermediate (1), or ideal (2). Participants underwent 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging scans in late-life visit. Outcomes were white matter hyperintensity volume, microbleeds, and lacunar, subcortical, and cortical infarcts at late-life. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of cardiovascular health in midlife and late-life, and improvement of cardiovascular health within midlife, and from midlife to late-life with magnetic resonance imaging markers of cerebral vascular disease, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A higher cardiovascular health in midlife, improvement of cardiovascular health within midlife, higher cardiovascular health at late-life, and improvement of cardiovascular health from midlife to late-life were associated with a lower prevalence of cerebral vascular disease markers. For example, improvement in cardiovascular health (per point) from midlife to late-life was associated with smaller white matter hyperintensity volume (β, -0.07 [95% CI, -0.10 to -0.04]) and lower odds of microbleeds (odds ratio, 0.93 [0.90-0.97]), lacunar (odds ratio, 0.93 [0.89-0.97]), subcortical (odds ratio, 0.93 [0.89-0.97]), and cortical infarcts (odds ratio, 0.92 [0.87-0.97]).

CONCLUSIONS

Improving cardiovascular health within midlife and from midlife to late-life may prevent development of cerebral vascular disease.

Glymphatic pathway in sporadic cerebral small vessel diseases: From bench to bedside

Cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVD) consist of a group of diseases with high heterogeneity induced by pathologies of intracranial small blood vessels. Endothelium dysfunction, bloodbrain barrier leakage and the inflammatory response are traditionally considered to participate in the pathogenesis of CSVD. However, these features cannot fully explain the complex syndrome and related neuroimaging characteristics. In recent years, the glymphatic pathway has been discovered to play a pivotal role in clearing perivascular fluid and metabolic solutes, which has provided novel insights into neurological disorders. Researchers have also explored the potential role of perivascular clearance dysfunction in CSVD. In this review, we presented a brief overview of CSVD and the glymphatic pathway. In addition, we elucidated CSVD pathogenesis from the perspective of glymphatic failure, including basic animal models and clinical neuroimaging markers. Finally, we proposed forthcoming clinical applications targeting the glymphatic pathway, hoping to provide novel ideas on promising therapies and preventions of CSVD.

Alcohol consumption and microvascular dysfunction: a J-shaped association: The Maastricht Study

BACKGROUND

Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) is an important contributor to major clinical disease such as stroke, dementia, depression, retinopathy, and chronic kidney disease. Alcohol consumption may be a determinant of MVD.

OBJECTIVE

Main objectives were (1) to study whether alcohol consumption was associated with MVD as assessed in the brain, retina, skin, kidney and in the blood; and (2) to investigate whether associations differed by history of cardiovascular disease or sex.

DESIGN

We used cross-sectional data from The Maastricht Study (N = 3,120 participants, 50.9% men, mean age 60 years, and 27.5% with type 2 diabetes [the latter oversampled by design]). We used regression analyses to study the association between total alcohol (per unit and in the categories, i.e. none, light, moderate, high) and MVD, where all measures of MVD were combined into a total MVD composite score (expressed in SD). We adjusted all associations for potential confounders; and tested for interaction by sex, and history of cardiovascular disease. Additionally we tested for interaction with glucose metabolism status.

RESULTS

The association between total alcohol consumption and MVD was non-linear, i.e. J-shaped. Moderate versus light total alcohol consumption was significantly associated with less MVD, after full adjustment (beta [95% confidence interval], -0.10 [-0.19; -0.01]). The shape of the curve differed with sex (P_interaction = 0.03), history of cardiovascular disease (P_interaction < 0.001), and glucose metabolism status (P_interaction = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The present cross-sectional, population-based study found evidence that alcohol consumption may have an effect on MVD. Hence, although increasing alcohol consumption cannot be recommended as a policy, this study suggests that prevention of MVD may be possible through dietary interventions.

White matter hyperintensities had a correlation with the cerebral perfusion level, but no correlation with the severity of large vessel stenosis in the anterior circulation

OBJECTIVE

The contribution of large vessel stenosis to the development of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to explore the correlation between ipsilateral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and the severity of large vessel stenosis in the anterior circulation and cerebral perfusion level, as well as analyze the factors influencing WMHs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 150 patients with unilateral anterior circulation large vessel stenosis of ≥50% was conducted. The severity of ipsilateral WMHs was assessed by Fazekas scale on T2-weighted image and/or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MR imaging, vascular stenosis severity was evaluated on computed tomography angiography images, and the level of cerebral perfusion was rated according to a staging system for abnormal cerebral perfusion based on CTP results. The relationships between the stenosis severity, cerebral perfusion level and ipsilateral WMHs severity were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors independently influencing WMHs.

RESULTS

Among 150 patients (mean age, 63.12 ± 10.55 years), there was a statistically significant positive correlation between cerebral perfusion level and the severity of DWMHs and PWMHs (Gamma = 0.561, p < .001; Gamma = 0.600, p < .001), and a positive correlation between cerebral perfusion level and the severity of vascular stenosis (Gamma = 0.495, p < .001).While, there was no statistically significant correlation between the severity of vascular stenosis and the severity of DWMHs and PWMHs (Gamma = 0.188, p = .08; Gamma = 0.196, p = .06). The multivariate logistic regression analysis results demonstrated that age (OR = 1.047, 95% CI 1.003-1.093; p = .035), stroke/TIA history (OR = 2.880, 95% CI 1.154-7.190; p = .023) and stage II of cerebral perfusion (OR = 2.880, 95% CI 1.154-7.190; p = .023) were independent influencing factors on ipsilateral DWMHs. Age (OR = 1.051, 95% CI 1.009-1.094; p = .018), and stage II of cerebral perfusion (OR = 12.871, 95% CI 3.576-46.322; p < .001) were factors independently influencing ipsilateral PWMHs.

CONCLUSION

White matter hyperintensities may be attributed to cerebral hypoperfusion secondary to vascular stenosis but not directly to the severity of stenosis in the large vessels of anterior circulation. Moreover, longitudinal studies with sequential imaging exams may further reveal the impact of cerebral perfusion secondary to vascular stenosis on the development and progression of WMHs.

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease-Related Dementia: More Questions Than Answers

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has emerged as a common factor driving age-dependent diseases, including stroke and dementia. CSVD-related dementia will affect a growing fraction of the aging population, requiring improved recognition, understanding, and treatments. This review describes evolving criteria and imaging biomarkers for the diagnosis of CSVD-related dementia. We describe diagnostic challenges, particularly in the context of mixed pathologies and the absence of highly effective biomarkers for CSVD-related dementia. We review evidence regarding CSVD as a risk factor for developing neurodegenerative disease and potential mechanisms by which CSVD leads to progressive brain injury. Finally, we summarize recent studies on the effects of major classes of cardiovascular medicines relevant to CSVD-related cognitive impairment. Although many key questions remain, the increased attention to CSVD has resulted in a sharper vision for what will be needed to meet the upcoming challenges imposed by this disease.

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with markers of cerebral small vessel disease in a dose-response manner: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cerebral small vessel disease manifests on neuroimaging as white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, cerebral microbleeds, perivascular spaces or subcortical infarcts and is a major contributor to dementia, stroke and incident death. We aimed to determine whether obstructive sleep apnea severity is associated cerebral small vessel disease. A systematic search was conducted for studies examining the association between obstructive sleep apnea and cerebral small vessel disease markers. A random-effects model was used to meta-analyze unadjusted odds ratios derived from event rates. The neuroimaging-derived measures of white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, and cerebral microbleeds were compared against increasing obstructive sleep apnea severity, as measured by apnea-hypopnea indices of <5, 5-15, ≥15 and ≥ 30. Thirty-two observational studies were included: ten reported effect sizes for white matter hyperintensities, nine for lacunes and three for cerebral microbleeds. Compared to patients without obstructive sleep apnea, the odds of possessing white matter hyperintensities were 1.7 [95% confidence interval 0.9-3.6] in mild, 3.9 [2.7-5.5] in moderate-severe and 4.3 [1.9-9.6] in severe obstructive sleep apnea. Moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a higher risk of lacunar infarcts. Obstructive sleep apnea had no association with cerebral microbleeds and an indeterminate association with perivascular spaces and subcortical infarcts due to insufficient data.

Progress on Prevention and Treatment of Cerebral Small Vascular Disease Using Integrative Medicine

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a senile brain lesion caused by the abnormal structure and function of arterioles, venules and capillaries in the aging brain. The etiology of CSVD is complex, and disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages. However, as CSVD develops, brain disorders may occur, such as stroke, cognitive dysfunction, dyskinesia and mood disorders, and heart, kidney, eye and systemic disorders. As the population continues to age, the burden of CSVD is increasing. Moreover, there is an urgent need for better screening methods and diagnostic markers for CSVD, in addition to preventive and asymptomatic- and mild-stage treatments. Integrative medicine (IM), which combines the holistic concepts and syndrome differentiations of Chinese medicine with modern medical perspectives, has unique advantages for the prevention and treatment of CSVD. In this review, we summarize the biological markers, ultrasound and imaging features, disease-related genes and risk factors relevant to CSVD diagnosis and screening. Furthermore, we discuss IM-based CSVD prevention and treatment strategies to stimulate further research in this field.

Nailfold capillaroscopy and deep learning in diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether nailfold capillary images, acquired using video capillaroscopy, can provide diagnostic information about diabetes and its complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Nailfold video capillaroscopy was performed in 120 adult patients with and without type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and with and without cardiovascular disease. Nailfold images were analyzed using convolutional neural networks, a deep learning technique. Cross-validation was used to develop and test the ability of models to predict five5 prespecified states (diabetes, high glycosylated hemoglobin, cardiovascular event, retinopathy, albuminuria, and hypertension). The performance of each model for a particular state was assessed by estimating areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROC) and precision recall curves (AUPR).

RESULTS

A total of 5236 nailfold images were acquired from 120 participants (mean 44 images per participant) and were all available for analysis. Models were able to accurately identify the presence of diabetes, with AUROC 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76, 0.91) and AUPR 0.84 (95% CI 0.78, 0.93), respectively. Models were also able to predict a history of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes, with AUROC 0.65 (95% CI 0.51, 0.78) and AUPR 0.72 (95% CI 0.62, 0.88) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of machine learning for identifying people with microvascular capillary changes from diabetes based on nailfold images, and for possibly identifying those most likely to have diabetes-related complications.

Role of small acute hyperintense lesions in long-term progression of cerebral small vessel disease and clinical outcome: a 14-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Small hyperintense lesions are found on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients with sporadic small vessel disease (SVD). Their exact role in SVD progression remains unclear due to their asymptomatic and transient nature. The main objective is to investigate the role of DWI+lesions in the radiological progression of SVD and their relationship with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Participants with SVD were included from the Radboud University Nijmegen Diffusion tensor MRI Cohort. DWI+lesions were assessed on four time points over 14 years. Outcome measures included neuroimaging markers of SVD, cognitive performance and clinical outcomes, including stroke, all-cause dementia and all-cause mortality. Linear mixed-effect models and Cox regression models were used to examine the outcome measures in participants with a DWI+lesion (DWI+) and those without a DWI+lesion (DWI-).

RESULTS

DWI+lesions were present in 45 out of 503 (8.9%) participants (mean age: 66.7 years (SD=8.3)). Participants with DWI+lesions and at least one follow-up (n=33) had higher white matter hyperintensity progression rates (β=0.36, 95% CI=0.05 to 0.68, p=0.023), more incident lacunes (incidence rate ratio=2.88, 95% CI=1.80 to 4.67, p<0.001) and greater cognitive decline (β=-0.03, 95% CI=-0.05 to -0.01, p=0.006) during a median follow-up of 13.2 (IQR: 8.8-13.8) years compared with DWI- participants. No differences were found in risk of all-cause mortality, stroke or dementia.

CONCLUSION

Presence of a DWI+lesion in patients with SVD is associated with greater radiological progression of SVD and cognitive decline compared with patients without DWI+lesions.